Hampshire County Council

As part of our ongoing work to enhance transparency and strategic oversight in local government finance, Blackwood Analytics undertook an in-depth analysis of Hampshire County Council’s FY2025/26 Budget Report. Our review focused on the Council’s spending priorities, the robustness of its financial risk management, and the clarity of its investment strategy.

The analysis raises significant questions around the rationale for substantial increases in Adult’s Health and Care (£39.6 million) and Children’s Services (Non-Schools) (£89.2 million), especially in the absence of clear performance benchmarks or evidence of service transformation. Meanwhile, reductions to Universal and Corporate Services point to a narrowing operational base at a time of rising demand. The Council’s reliance on Exceptional Financial Support to implement a near-maximum Council Tax rise illustrates the fragility of its fiscal position, with reserves insufficient to ensure long-term sustainability under less favourable scenarios.

Our findings underline the importance of linking funding decisions to measurable outcomes and strategic intent—particularly when public services are under strain. This work reflects Blackwood Analytics’ broader mission to support effective, accountable, and forward-looking financial governance in the public sector.